If you love tangy and sweet treats, then Key Lime Shortbread Cookies are your new best friend in the kitchen. These delightful cookies combine the buttery, crumbly goodness of classic shortbread with a refreshing citrus twist that makes every bite a burst of sunshine. Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon snack or a festive gathering, Key Lime Shortbread Cookies bring a unique flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and exciting. Their zesty lime flavor, tender texture, and simple ingredients make them utterly irresistible and surprisingly easy to create at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tartness of key lime complements the rich, buttery shortbread base beautifully.
Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find pantry staples combine for a sophisticated, citrusy treat.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Serve them at parties, gift them in baskets, or enjoy as a snack anytime.
Light and Refreshing: Unlike heavy desserts, these cookies feel fresh and clean on the palate.
Great for Home Bakers: The straightforward method is perfect for beginners and pros alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Key Lime Shortbread Cookies recipe plays an essential role in delivering maximum flavor and that classic crumbly texture. From the richness of butter to the bright burst of lime zest, these components come together effortlessly to create magic.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and tender crumb you expect in good shortbread.
Unsalted Butter: Adds creamy richness and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Powdered Sugar: Blends smoothly with butter for delicate sweetness without grit.
Key Lime Zest: Delivers authentic citrus aroma and flavor, critical for the signature twist.
Fresh Key Lime Juice: Infuses the dough with bright acidity, perfectly balancing sweetness.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, preventing the cookies from tasting flat.

Variations for Key Lime Shortbread Cookies

This recipe is easily adaptable, so you can customize your Key Lime Shortbread Cookies to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment with flavors and textures without losing that citrusy charm.

Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half the cookie in melted dark or white chocolate for a decadent twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend of your choice to make it allergy-friendly.
Herbal Infusion: Add finely chopped fresh mint or basil for an herbaceous note that complements lime.
Sugar Substitute: Use powdered erythritol or coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option.
Lime Glaze: Drizzle a simple lime sugar glaze on top for extra tang and sparkle.

Key Lime Shortbread Cookies with a Citrus Twist

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How to Make Key Lime Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates the perfect base, combining air and fat to give your cookies a tender, crumbly texture.

Step 2: Add Key Lime Zest and Juice

Incorporate the finely grated key lime zest and fresh key lime juice into the creamed butter mixture. This is where the refreshing citrus flavor begins to shine, infusing every bite with zest and tang.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Sift together the all-purpose flour and salt, then gradually add them to the wet mixture. Mix just until the dough starts to come together; overmixing can develop gluten and toughen the cookies.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling firms up the butter, helping the cookies keep their shape and intensify their flavors during baking.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven and roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut into your favorite shapes, place on a baking sheet, and bake until the edges just start to turn golden. Keep a close eye—they bake quickly!

Pro Tips for Making Key Lime Shortbread Cookies

Use Fresh Key Limes: Fresh zest and juice make a world of difference compared to bottled versions.
Don’t Skip Chilling: Cold dough prevents spreading and ensures the cookies stay perfectly shaped.
Sift Your Sugar: Powdered sugar clumps can cause uneven texture, so sift before mixing.
Watch the Bake Time: Slightly underbaking yields tender cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Store Properly: Keep in an airtight container to preserve the fresh lime flavor and crispness.

How to Serve Key Lime Shortbread Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a bit of finely grated lime zest or a dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving to enhance the cookies’ citrus aroma and add a pretty finish.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience that complements the tangy citrus notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Key Lime Shortbread Cookies in a clear jar with coordinating green ribbons for gifting, or arrange them on a vibrant platter alongside fresh lime wedges to brighten any dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Key Lime Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their buttery texture and tangy flavor.

Freezing

Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for fresh taste.

Reheating

If you prefer warm cookies, gently reheat them in a low oven for 5 to 7 minutes—just enough to soften without melting the buttery texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular lime instead of key limes?

Yes, regular limes can be used, but key limes have a distinct tartness and floral aroma that gives these cookies their signature flavor.

Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?

No refrigeration is necessary; storing them in an airtight container at room temperature keeps them fresh for several days.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

By substituting butter with a vegan margarine or coconut oil and ensuring powdered sugar is vegan-friendly, you can adapt this recipe to be vegan.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough thoroughly before baking and avoiding over-mixing helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.

Are these cookies good for decorating?

Yes! Their firm texture makes them excellent candidates for decorating with icing or melted chocolate, adding a personal touch for special occasions.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Key Lime Shortbread Cookies—they blend simplicity and elegance in every bite with that perfect citrus punch. Whether you’re baking for yourself, friends, or family, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Give the recipe a try, and let this bright, buttery treat become one of your favorite go-to desserts! Happy baking!

Key Lime Shortbread Cookies

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Author: Nadin
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Key Lime Shortbread Cookies combine the buttery, crumbly texture of classic shortbread with a refreshing and tangy citrus twist from fresh key lime zest and juice. Perfectly balancing sweet and tart flavors, these cookies are light, easy to make, and ideal for any occasion, whether as a snack or a festive treat.

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
Zest of 2 fresh key limes
2 tablespoons fresh key lime juice

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Instructions

Cream the Butter and Sugar: Beat the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air and fat, creating a tender, crumbly texture in the cookies.
Add Key Lime Zest and Juice: Mix in the finely grated key lime zest and fresh key lime juice into the creamed butter mixture, infusing the dough with bright citrus flavor.
Mix in Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour and salt, then gradually add them to the wet mixture. Stir just until the dough begins to come together to avoid developing gluten, which can toughen the cookies.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling firms the butter, helping the cookies keep their shape and intensifying the flavors.
Shape and Bake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes. Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake until the edges start to turn golden, about 15-18 minutes. Monitor closely to prevent overbaking.

Notes

Use fresh key limes for the best flavor and aroma.
Do not skip chilling the dough to avoid spreading and maintain shape.
Sift powdered sugar to prevent clumps and ensure smooth texture.
Watch baking time carefully; slightly underbaking yields tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve freshness and crispness.